Sinus Precautions

It is not uncommon for tooth roots to extend into the sinuses. In the circumstance in which your oral surgeon has removed a tooth and was able to observe a hole into the sinuses where a tooth once was, they will ask you to follow this set of instructions in order to protect the healing of that sinus, and to prevent the small hole from becoming a larger hole that may not heal properly. If you do not follow these instructions, a permanent pathway may form between your mouth and your sinus, causing you to get fluid into your nose when you drink. This problem then requires a second more invasive surgery to correct.

Please observe the following precautions to allow the sinus exposure to heal properly:

• DO NOT blow your nose for at least two weeks.
• DO NOT forcibly spit for two weeks.
• DO NOT smoke or use smokeless tobacco for at least two weeks.
• Sneeze with your MOUTH OPEN. If the urge to sneeze arises, do not sneeze through your nose and avoid pinching nostrils.
• DO NOT use a straw for two weeks.
• Avoid swimming for one month and strenuous exercise (e.g. heavy lifting) for one week.
• Gentle swishing with salt water or Peridex mouth wash may be done after surgery to keep your mouth clean, but do not rinse vigorously for two weeks.
• Slight bleeding from the nose is not uncommon and may occur for several days after surgery.

1) Afrin (Oxymetazoline) Nasal Spray – If your doctor gives you this nasal spray, start using it the day after surgery. Use 2 puffs in each nostril twice per day, ONLY USE FOR THREE DAYS then discontinue.

2) Ocean (Saline) Nasal Spray – Start this nasal spray the day after surgery. Take 2 puffs per nostril two to three times daily for as long as you’d like for any nasal congestion.

3) Fluticasone Nasal Spray – Start this nasal spray the day after surgery. Take 2 puffs per nostril morning and night for as long as you’d like to help with nasal congestion.

4) Sudafed (Pseudoephedrine) Pills – Take this morning and night as needed for up to 5 days after surgery to help with any sinus congestion.

5) Antibiotic Pills – Your doctor may give you a prescription for an antibiotic. If so, take it as instructed until gone. It will either be a 5- or 7-day course.